The country, which sank into a recession last year, is trying to entice highly skilled “digital nomads” to work in the island nation for up to nine months.

New Zealand will introduce looser visa rules to allow holiday makers to work remotely while visiting the country, to boost its tourism sector and economy, it said on Monday.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the change will enable many visitors to extend their stays, leading to more spending in the country.

Starting on January 27, 2025, the New Zealand Visitor Visa will allow employees who work remotely for a foreign company to live and work in New Zealand for up to 90 days. Self-employed remote workers with clients outside New Zealand can also apply. Unlike other digital nomad visas, there appears to be no minimum income requirement.

While the United States, Canada and several European Union Member states are imposing stringent immigration restrictions, New Zealand has decided to join the Digital Nomad bandwagon by allowing visitor visa holders to work remotely for an overseas employer or client.